2019 - Krettnacher Euchariusberg Riesling Spatlese, Hofgut Falkenstein

Issuing from a parcel in the Gross Schock sector known as “Ternes” (which name now appears in tiny print on the label), the 2019 Riesling Krettnacher Euchariusberg Spätlese A.P. #14 delivers scents and flavors of gooseberry, green plum, pear and lime, making for a pungently penetrating, bright, tart-edged overall performance, with berry seed crunch and fruit seed piquancy, smoky hints of black tea and Szechuan peppercorn all serving for gum-tingling invigoration. The finish here is undeniably slightly sweet-sour in tension, not to mention almost strident in brightness and sheer intensity. But you won’t soon be able to get it off your palate, much less your mind! Give this bundle of energy and font of complexity some time. (There is also an Euchariusberg Spätlese A.P. #6, which I have not tasted.)

The 2019 Krettnacher Euchariusberg Riesling Spätlese #14 is clear and very fine on the elegant and subtle nose. Lush and piquant on the palate, this is a persistently, structured and digestible Spätlese with a straight and edgy character, stimulating grip and a moderately sweet finish. 8% alcohol. Tasted in May 2020.